2023 Mazda MX-5 Club RF Review - The Beauty In Familiarity

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DISCLAIMER!
The thoughts, feelings, and opinions expressed in this video are the sole thoughts of Zack and no one else. The thoughts expressed in this video do not reflect the owner, dealership, or organization that owns the vehicle featured. The purpose of this video is to provide entertainment with the hope that you will take what you see and formulate your own opinions. DO NOT make a financial decision based off of this video.
#Mazda #NDmiata #MiataRF

Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
0:57 - Drivetrain
3:31 - Interior
6:33 - How To Open The Top
7:18 - Interior
8:04 - BFB Test
8:45 - Interior
9:43 - Trunk / Cargo Space
10:07 - Exterior
11:59 - Final Thoughts
16:28 - Outro

[@msmoniz]

To me the Miata has always been a 4 wheel motorcycle in the best way; driving fun and engagement are it’s reason for being, you feel like it’s part of you/you’re part of it, and everything else like commuting, carrying stuff is secondary. It can do that to a limited degree, but it reminds you it’s about driving pleasure first and foremost!

[@johnsolimine1164]

"4 wheel motorcycle," that was my first impression.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I disagree. 5th gear is for when yiu want to cruise but also weave in and out of traffic.

[@davidkrenn2605]

Depending on what I’m doing, I often skip gears. I also often sit in 5th gear. I use it all the time.

[@fmtien]

I use 5th gear all the time as well.

[@NextheVortex]

Agreed

[@dave11686]

The RF at the auto show a few years ago was my first experience driving a Miata. It was great

[@Where2bub]

been watching your episodes for a few months right now, and I just realized I never commented a positive one on your intro. so yeah. its great! also, I appreciate your work ethic and willingness to sample all the cars. its a real relief to find a channel that doesn't make it big and then filter their reviews to just exotics and rare valuable collectibles.

[@kiraleaf]

All of the fun is in the quirky and overlooked vehicles, especially those not considered 'valuable'. Zack's reviews are so very detailed and thorough that if you're looking to buy a car, you can take a virtual cabin tour of it on this channel and delve into its history and nuances in the process!

[@bwofficial1776]

@@kiraleaf That's why I like this channel. The big reviewers like Doug DeMuro are nice but those ultra-super-special edition Lamboclarenarris are kind of boring. They're so technically great that they're kind of all the same, not to mention I'll probably never see one. A Miata RF? Subaru Forester? Cadillac Sedan de Ville? I see them regularly and I wonder what they're like. I'd really like to see some Saab reviews. They were kings of quirky cars but unfortunately not so great at staying running. RIP Saab.

[@kiraleaf]

@@bwofficial1776 Right? It's regular cars, but regular cars. It brings me back, I want to sit in a Camry again with the AC on. I want to sit in the back seat of whatever, could be a camper or a TDI. I'm here for the content.

[@jamiebray8532]

I'm in love with the MX-5 looks now. Watching the changing looks over the generations has been taken in the right direction.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

Definitely man, and this gen still looks modern You should see the 2025 EV design it's incredible

[@jamiebray8532]

@@ArtVandelayOfficial I have seen it. It looks great, but Im not big about ev's. Until we somehow can get free energy like Tesla set us up to get. Ev's are a can being kicked down the road. Majority of electricity is fossil fueled. So you really ain't helping anything. Then the grid ain't strong enough to charge all these cars. So you got Tesla drivers with generators in their trunks. Now I like Edison motors out of BC Canada. They are building a true diesel electric hybrid heavy truck for the logging industry. Really great stuff. Like Dodge, I love the look of the ev charger just hate its power plant.

[@dannyphamous]

Love your review! Keep your icecream tradition going for years 5 and beyond!

[@caymanlocksmithandsafespec2185]

mazda makes the best road handling cars gotta love em

[@WildWildWeasel]

Zack has to get another Miata for next year!! xD

[@mikaseusshaklelord4781]

Almost my car ❤. I have a blue one. my gas milage is 6.23L/100km (37,5 Miles per gallon) . I can confirm almost all you said.

[@MichaelGolpe]

17:10 A friend of mine will be so thrilled watching this.

[@Nebbia_affaraccimiei]

2:54 a 2 Liter TURBO??? you WISH!!

[@steveschmidt5574]

Man that is sweet. I may have to upgrade someday!

[@carlosbrigett2574]

Back in 1963, I ordered a 1964 MGB. I could have bought a Chevy Malibu or Ford Mustang, but I didn't. I ordered a real Sportscar. It was the very 1st foreign sportscar in my neighborhood and everybody thought I was crazy, that is, until they drove it. Comparing that car to my 2023 MX-5, there is no comparison except the driving pleasure of a real Roadster, of which, has been wonderfully enhanced. Theysingle only thing I miss is the Vent Windows the MG had. Talk about wind buffeting, the vent windows kept that down to a minimum. I wish my MX-5 had those. I wonder if it is at all possible for Mazda to bring out "Clamp-on Vent Windows" as an accessory?

[@dowroa]

Dude. I own a 2020 RF. When I don't need to go, I just put around town (no highway), and I average 36.5. On the highway, I get 41-44mpg. Now, if I am autoxing or running it to redline, yes, I will get high 20s (better than the STi). If you min/max drive it, you can get some pretty stellar milage out of it.

[@Kev27RS]

The MX-5 ND is gorgeous, especially this RF version! Mazda’s Soul Red color is brilliant! 🤩

[@celebutante]

I had a BMW Z4 with a six-speed manual, and it was the same for me - scream up a freeway onramp in fourth, then straight to sixth. I never used fifth. I almost feel like manufacturers do the six-speed manual because it sounds like a more impressive spec.

[@williamk1800]

Hi Zack, you mentioned that the Recaros are fine for big guys like us - is that really true? I sat in them once a long time ago and felt like I was sitting on top of the bolsters instead of between them. I love the look of them, but don't want to regret the seats/trim decision.

[@v10mclaren]

Love the story about the Mazda road trip for ice cream and I love that car. Great review

[@mikeg5413]

Very good video. I love my 2022 RF GT.

[@maxeluy]

The best spec! I love it!

[@dummyxl]

Looks like a lot of the Parts are also in my mazda 2 (love that car) Beautiful car btw

[@coelho2825]

There used to be 2 extra space compartements behind each seat. Did you check it?

[@bwofficial1776]

It's amazing that Mazda is still making Miatas. It's a tiny section of the market but it's a reliable seller. I'm not the biggest fan of how the RF looks but I can appreciate the benefits of the hard top. Your buddy's RX7 needs an alignment. The suspension is worn and bowing out.

[@Kev27RS]

The RF is gorgeous! Like a little coupe Miata!

[@GHEagleson]

Also behind the chairs there is storage as well

[@TiminNFL]

Can a 6ft tall 195lb driver fit comfortably enough in the RF to drive daily and autocross/track occasionally? 🤷🏻‍♂️ Thanks in advance. I’m in a 997.1S 6mt currently.

[@vulcanman64]

I’d love to own one. Good video so I subbed.

[@laxmangudiwada]

Does the rear view mirror have the homelink (garage sensor opener)?

[@archerious1972]

Really liked my Miata. Only got rid of it since day 1 it leaked water anytime it rained hard or when I washed the car. Became increasingly paranoid the leather seats would rot.

[@dlg5485]

That's not the end of the world. Why didn't you just fix the problem?

[@jeffatturbofish]

I came so close to getting my 2021 MX-5 in the same color but ended up getting machine gray. Because I really don't want to stand out any more than I already am.

[@Kev27RS]

I hope that you don’t regret it! Soul Red Crystal is a gorgeous color!

[@davegeorge7094]

I want great a/c and your in Wisconsin, how it in 95F 90%RH ?

[@VinceCannavaII]

Did you miss out on the compartment behind the passenger seat?

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

My perfect vehicle!

[@CollinMac96]

If you can drive a manual please buy this with 3 pedals. This is the only car I can think of where I suggest the manual over the auto. There’s just something about slamming into 3 gear at 5k rpm

[@Kev27RS]

Yeah, plus the MX-5 is a "driver’s car"!

[@MrKwixster]

great footage

[@stef7396]

i have a 2004 nbfl and i think its a fun car to drive even with only 146hp

[@lynp9996]

that paint color is special

[@Kev27RS]

Gorgeous! Like nothing else on the road today!

[@bligo2387]

Noes the rf not have the storage cubbies behind the seats like the soft tops?

[@samarkand_nights]

Only behind passenger seat

[@joey86bu1]

Man I love this car.

[@WizardTerence]

My car never squeaks . That particular car needs service if the brakes are making noise. Maybe the pads are low .

[@VinceCannavaII]

The limited slip diff is only provided on certain packages like your club packaged car if I understand correctly

[@rembo183]

Also the LSD is on the new GTRF too.p

[@VinceCannavaII]

@@rembo183 I've heard this, the Mazda dealership parts guy tried to tell me I also had Brembo brakes too. 🫤 Not true. I'm hunting for Mazda days to confirm this but really, I'm probably going to inspect on the next fluid change.

[@barron204]

I want one.

[@rembo183]

Plus it’s very affordable compared to,other similar type cars like a Porsche Cayman, Boxster, Nissan Z, Supra and Z4. A4 cylinder Ecoboost Mustang is affordable but it’s huge and a different ride entirely.

[@benjaminwerner7623]

How do you think this would work for taller drivers? Some miatas are okay for taller drivers, others are worse.

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

I LOVE THIS CAR …STILL A BEAUTIFUL DESIGN! Still fresh ! … beautiful!

[@Kev27RS]

Totally agree! 👍

[@joshualewis2367]

Which Mazda Miata is better soft top or rf hard top I have to go with soft top it’s more of a classic what makes the Miata so cool and nicer looking

[@CollinMac96]

Soft too for 2 reasons - quicker to put up and down - cheaper to fix or replace when damaged.

[@Kev27RS]

The RF is gorgeous! Like a little Miata coupe!

[@Metalodeath]

My only issues with the Miata Is there just took expensive starting at 28k Isn’t right! Used Mazda Miatas are stupidly priced these days I don’t even want one anymore I’m not spending over 10k for a used 1990 Miata it’s a shame really but great video non the less

[@diegomiranda8905]

the miata is really good at being marked up 300%, I want a miata so bad but the ones at the dealers are more expensive than corvettes so I need to wait to buy a used one

[@markcoopers1930]

Where on earth is there an 70-80k Miata? Where on earth is a Miata marked up but a Corvette is not? What is this magical land spoken of?

[@diegomiranda8905]

@Mark Coopers Puerto Rico Lol xD and I was kinda misleading I kinda meant the cheapest msrp corvette and that's only like 200% not 300% it's still outrageous 65k for a miata

[@CollinMac96]

Go for 18-20. Prices should be a bit more modest

[@diegomiranda8905]

@@CollinMac96 Don't those have the same engine as the NC? I get that miatas are fun momentum cars but that's too little horsepower.. I'll just wait for the newer ones to drop in price

[@rxa177]

LOs carros en PR son mas caros por arbitrios. A ese precio compralo en miami.

[@rnt45t1]

is the answer to everything really a Miata?

[@johnsolimine1164]

Perfect sports car to replace the line of British four cylinder / conventional driveline cars.... just wish it had the same passenger room as the British cars of old.

[@red5standingby598]

[@jschoenzy9416]

Looks like a fun time, practicality be damned.

[@anthonykiedis1765]

181hp and only 28 mpg?! The 2.5 in the Mazda3 is way more efficient, despite being a heavier car.

[@GlacialLake]

Turbo???? What are you talking about?

[@Dankcatvacs]

No glove bocks? thats BOGUS oh no she had to stand up cause she short...

[@kiraleaf]

well, drivers don't need storage for their gloves anymore.

[@kiraleaf]

I still prefer the looks of the NA, as I can't stomach the NC and feel that the new MX-5 is trying to be a miniature Ferrari. The good points of the newer Miatas is that they're mechanically modern and updated, if that's your thing, but nothing compares to the driving experience in a bare-bones original Miata roadster.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I used to hate the NC but it has grown on me.

[@kiraleaf]

@@fortheloveofnoise the NC has a surprised pikachu face. the NA looks so happy to be there, and the ND looks a bit smug and sassy.

[@ufork]

All Miatas are beautiful to me, but I have only owned and driven the NA.

[@bwofficial1776]

The NB is underrated. Everyone wants the pop-up headlights on the NA or the modern ND but the NB is overlooked because it's the first fixed-headlight Miata. It's old enough that it's not overly techy but still has some modern safety equipment and a decent radio.

[@Kev27RS]

@@bwofficial1776I like the NB as well!

[@tnrX999]

You have to open the door to use an ATM.....seriously ???😂😂😂😂😂

[@crow_2k11beatsbydre8]

This one Mazda vehicle that is good especially with the manual and it has a touchscreen infotainment.......

[@CollinMac96]

@brianeugeneleewhat would alternate choice be?

[@CollinMac96]

@brianeugeneleeI’ll go with my pops to check one out. He’s 6’7 and 240lb so he hates driving my mx5

[@dlg5485]

Damn you had to be hammering this car constantly if you only avg 28mpg. I avg at least 34 per tank (hand calculated) in mixed driving without even trying and 38 on the highway, and I drive it pretty hard.

[@danmccarthy4700]

Is it just me or do the behind-the-wheel driving shots make it look like Zack is driving waay far back from the steering wheel?

[@losingmyfavoritegame8752]

MX-5 Club comes with bacon, right? 🥓

[@totoro6214]

28 mpg in a miata over 200 miles is impressive. drive it like its meant to be driven >:)

[@peanutbutterpadre1519]

Why should someone not plug in the module to put their top up at 30?

[@Saboda53]

Because it’s a needless complication. Simply put the top up or down before you set off, or when you park, or at a light. The module solves “a problem” that isn’t a problem. It’s like “The Clapper”. Works, but… what’s the point?? That’s why.

[@peanutbutterpadre1519]

@@Saboda53 you are very much wrong and fairly close minded several automakers convertibles can put the top up or down without having to slow to walking pace and it doesn't always start raining when you are stopped or before you start off

[@anthonykiedis1765]

​@@peanutbutterpadre1519I think you are the one being close minded. There is always a place to pull over or come to a complete stop. I drove an S2000 for a decade, that needed to be completely stopped to put top up/down, and I never had an issue.

[@peanutbutterpadre1519]

@@anthonykiedis1765 lol you use the term "always" and im close minded? the miata doesn't need to be completely stopped seems like a no brainer to make it work in a wider verity of circumstances but I guess that is close minded of me 😂

[@anthonykiedis1765]

@@peanutbutterpadre1519 it's close minded to think you can't find a place to stop and/or pull over to put the top up. I did it every single time it rained for over 10 years without issue.

[@Josef007]

You think this car is fun? Try an M3 (of any gen) it will blow your mind 😂

[@ShootingCars]

I’ve driven the E36, E46, E90, and F80 m3. The Miata is still more fun.

[@Josef007]

I'll be happy to teach you how to drive:) you may understand what I mean 🤣

[@oler777]

I remember driving a 2007 s2000 and those only had like 240 hp and I remember the salesman going. “Yeah you can feel that VTEC kick in isnt that that power awesome” and then I immediately drove a base 07 c6 and guess which platform i still have

[@kiraleaf]

the S2K, right? .. right?

[@oler777]

@@kiraleaf god no c6 corvette gang

[@johnsolimine1164]

@@oler777 I prefer the four cylinder cars.... they keep my cars from being impounded and me from going to jail.

[@oler777]

@@johnsolimine1164 that speaks more on your self control and not how a 4 cyloinder is just as good

[@johnsolimine1164]

If you're not going to use the horsepower, then what's the use of having all that extra weight? @@oler777

[@carlosbrigett2574]

I'd keep this guy away from the tailpipe of your MX-5.

[@caryasmith]

dandruf much?

[@InuranusBrokoff]

That's the lowest observed fuel economy I've heard from any review.

[@arobjavan9481]

I test drove one and believe me, my toyota corolla feels better than this.

[@ytubsave307]

No offense, but putting down the Miata because there is "no storage" is childish. It's a sports car, not a truck! Want storage, go buy a truck or van. Jeez, what a silly review.